20 Amp EV Charger vs 30 Amp: Which One is Right for You?
The charging solution that’s right for you efficiently charges electric vehicles (EVs). For many EV owners, 20 amp EV chargers and 30 amp chargers are common choices. This article will compare the pros and cons of these two chargers in detail to help you make an informed choice.
Before diving into the optimal amp settings, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of how car battery charging works. A car battery stores electrical energy in chemical form, which is converted to power your vehicle’s engine and electrical systems. Over time, the battery loses its charge and needs to be replenished, typically through the alternator while driving or by using an external battery charger.
20 Amp EV Charger: A Stable and Economical Choice
The 20 Amp EV Charger provides up to 4.8 kW of power and is suitable for daily use in most homes. Ideal for users with smaller batteries or modest charging needs. It is an economical choice for home charging.
The 20 amp EV charger provides an electric vehicle with a range of approximately 20-25 miles per hour. This means that for the average user, the 20 amp EV charger is sufficient for daily charging needs, especially for those car owners who don’t usually need fast charging.
30 Amp EV Charger: A Faster, More Efficient Charging Solution
The 30 Amp EV charger delivers 7.2 kW of power to charge electric vehicles faster. Compared to 20 amp chargers, 30 amp chargers charge significantly faster.
A 30 amp EV charger can provide an electric vehicle with a range of approximately 30-35 miles per hour. For most mid-sized battery electric vehicles, a 30 amp charger provides a faster charge time than a 20 amp charger.
20 amp vs 30 amp chargers: how to choose?
When choosing between a 20 amp and 30 amp EV charger, you need to base your decision on several factors:
Charging Needs: If you have a smaller battery and your charging needs are mainly for night-time charging or daily replenishment of power for a short period of time, then a 20 Amp charger will be sufficient. Whereas if you have a larger battery or need to charge it for a short period of time (e.g., for commercial use or long distance travel), then a 30 amp charger will be more suitable.
Charging Time: If you’re looking to reduce charging time, the higher power offered by a 30 Amp EV charger will significantly reduce charging time, especially if you need to charge during peak hours.
Budget considerations: While the initial investment for a 30 amp charger is higher, the charging efficiency and convenience it offers may make it a more cost-effective option in the long run, especially for users with higher charging needs.
Conclusion
While the 20-amp EV charger is a stable and affordable option for the average home and light-use EV owner, the 30-amp EV charger is definitely a better choice if you need a more efficient and faster charging experience, especially for high-capacity batteries. Not only does it offer faster charging speeds, but it’s also future-proofed for those looking to improve their charging efficiency.